In an ideal and poetic world, April Fool's Day would be the biggest day in the comedy calendar. This year it falls on Easter Monday, so things are decidedly quiet. One highlight is this double header in Camden. John Oliver is the latest in a long line of smart, slick and very good ex-Oxbridge comics - think David Baddiel without the smug cynicism. Martinez has garnered attention because she has cerebral palsy. And also because she is a great comic.
Mon 1 April, Etcetera Theatre , 265 Camden High Street, NW1 (020-7482 4857).
LEE MACK
I recently came across my judging notes from the Hackney New Act Of The Year in the mid-Nineties. Lee Mack was an also-ran back then and my scribbles say 'wiry, ageing mod, v professional.' A typically corny gag was 'A homeless person said to me ''I haven't eaten in days''. I said, ''Go on, force yourself''. Mack is still peddling the corn and now seems destined for greatness thanks to ITV's The Sketch Show. Paul Thorne and Hackney New Act 2001 winners Men In Coats bring up the rear. Mack also performs with The Sketch Show at The Latchmere .
Fri 29 Mar, The Fox, 413 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 (020-8450 4100).
FELICITY ETHNIC
High-calibre comedy from this rising star of the black comedy circuit. Expect a confident, stylish and outrageous gallery of characters.
Thur 4 Apr, Croydon Clocktower , Katharine Street, Croydon, Surrey (020-8253 1030).
